The most recent federal definition of developmental disability, as defined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 is:

(A) A severe, chronic disability of an individual that(i) is attributed to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physicalimpairments;(ii) is manifested before the individual attains age 22;(iii) is likely to continue indefinitely;(iv) results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:

(v) Reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary,
or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong
or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

(B) Infants and Young Children—An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clauses (I) through (V) of subparagraph (A) if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.

The GCDD is funded under the provisions of P.L. 106-402. The federal law also provides funding to the Minnesota Disability Law Center, the state Protection and Advocacy System, and to the Institute on Community Integration, the state University Center for Excellence. The Minnesota network of programs works to increase the IPSII of people with developmental disabilities and families into community life.